Health Law

Summer is the Perfect Time for Aquatic Therapy

Now that the weather is warming up, it's the perfect time to think about aquatic therapy. There are many benefits to aquatic therapy for people of all ages and abilities, but it is particularly beneficial for helping children manage their cerebral palsy symptoms in a fun and active way.

What is Aquatic Therapy?

Essentially, aquatic therapy involves any type of cardiovascular or conditioning exercises that are done in the water – usually an indoor or outdoor pool. Aquatic therapy is naturally low impact and the buoyancy of the water serves as a support for weakened limbs and other body parts. For children with cerebral palsy, the benefits of aquatic therapy include:  

• Improved muscle strength and tone
• Improved self-esteem
• Increased flexibility, balance and coordination

In addition, aquatic therapy provides a source of recreation and socialization for kids with cerebral palsy. And it's not necessary for the child to know how to swim since therapy can be done in shallow water or with the use of flotation devices. There are also assistive technologies that make water activities more accessible to people with disabilities. Visit ABLEDATA to see a list of assistive devices.


 

Full post as published by Cerebral Palsy Law Blog on June 05, 2009 (boomark / email).